In the Land of Hot Water, in the village of Yugakure, Uchiha Itachi, Kisa, Kakuzu, and Hidan walked slowly through the crowded streets. The air was thick with the sounds of celebration, and the streets were a riot of color, filled with people in festive, brightly-colored clothing.
"Welco, welco! Would you care to try the Dog's Paw Hot Spring? Satisfaction guaranteed!"
"Hahaha dogs paw is shitty. Co to our cats spring."
"Don't listen to him! Co on, everyone knows a good-natured dog is a man's best friend!"
"Hehe, a cat's independent spirit is far superior!"
Listening to the competing cries of the hawkers, Hoshigaki Kisa sneered. "This village is far too noisy. The quiet, blood-soaked air of the Hidden Mist is much more to my liking."
Kakuzu grunted. "This noise will only last for a few days. It's a festival unique to Yugakure, the Festival of Cats and Dogs."
"Hahahahahaha, I didn't realize you were so knowledgeable about other cultures, you old miser!" Hidan laughed. "He's right. This festival has been around since the peace treaties were signed, all to commorate the hot springs."
Kisa's gaze drifted over the crowd. "Tsk tsk, no wonder they are all wearing cat and dog masks. I see. But it seems we have co at an inconvenient ti. With so many people, it may be difficult to make our move later."
"Hmph!" Kakuzu glanced at Kisa, his voice a low growl. "What does it matter how many people there are? Anyone who owes money will die today!"
Kisa grinned, his sharp teeth glinting. "Aren't you afraid our identities will be exposed? Don't forget, we are all wanted n."
"Why? Are you afraid of being hunted down by your old enemies?"
"Haha, senpai, you jest," Kisa chuckled. "All of my enemies are already dead. I am rely concerned that the existence of the Akatsuki will be revealed to the world."
"…" Kisa's point was valid. Kakuzu was silent for a mont, then glanced at Uchiha Itachi. "With Itachi's Sharingan, we have nothing to worry about. Let's go. The Dog's Paw Inn is just ahead."
"Huh?" Hidan was stunned. "Kakuzu! So you knew where it was all along! Then why did you make lead the way?!"
Kakuzu responded viciously, "I just wanted to see if a useless idiot like you could be of so value. Now stop wasting ti and get moving!"
"What did you say?!" Hidan roared. "I can't stand that mouth of yours! I'm going to kill you!"
Kakuzu's eyes turned cold. "Hmph. Do you think I like you?"
It looked as if the two of them were about to erupt into a full-blown battle in the middle of the crowded street. Just then, a spatial vortex swirled into existence beside them. The next mont, Obito, in his Tobi persona, appeared from the whirlpool, the young Shiro at his side. They stood before the four Akatsuki mbers, an unexpected and bizarre sight.
"Tobi," Kakuzu asked, his voice laced with confusion. "What are you doing here?" As he spoke, he was secretly surprised. It was the first ti he had seen the masked man use a technique. This ability to appear out of thin air was certainly no ordinary jutsu. Based on his years of experience, Kakuzu guessed it was a high-level space-ti ninjutsu.
Kisa said nothing. He already knew that "Tobi" was, in fact, Madara.
Uchiha Itachi was also silent. He knew better than any of them that Tobi's true identity was Obito.
Obito, in his Tobi persona, scratched his head with an exaggerated motion, his voice a high-pitched, cheerful squeak. "I ca to see you, of course, Kakuzu-senpai!"
Kakuzu was stunned. "To see ?" He and Tobi had never interacted before, had hardly even spoken. He couldn't understand why the strange man would suddenly seek him out.
Obito leaned in, his voice dropping to a mischievous whisper. "This little one wants so money from you."
"???"
When he heard the word "money," the warmth drained from Kakuzu's face, replaced by a cold, stony mask. Soone wanted his money? That was no different from asking for his life.
Reviews
All reviews (0)